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Organizations should take extra precautions when setting up wireless networks. The Federal Trade Commission (n.d.) recommends changing the router name from the default, changing all preset passwords, consistently updating the router software, and turning off any “remote management” features. All of these options provide an additional security feature to reduce the vulnerability of an organization’s wireless network to hackers. One additional security feature that should be included is encryption so that hackers and other outside parties cannot understand the communications transmitted across your wireless network.

In December 2013, Target Corporation was subject to a data breach of credit/debit card and customer information of close to 110 million people. The breach occurred through hacker access through the point-of-sale (POS) system and gateway servers; compromising the data and financial security of over 70 million of its customers by January 2014 (Armerding, 2018). The negative impact of such a large breach at a major retailer resulted in an $18.5 million settlement and the resignations of top executives at Target Corporation. “As part of the settlement announced on Tuesday, Target is required to adopt advanced measures to secure customer information such as employing an executive to oversee a comprehensive information security program as well as advise its chief executive and board” (Reuters, 2017). The problem with this particular situation is the reactive nature of the Target Corporation. Although the organization had some security features in place, it was later determined that the security features were not monitored at an executive level thus increasing the exposure to hackers. By utilizing a proactive response to security on their network including consistent monitoring, testing, and updates, future attacks will be mitigated.

References:

Armerding, T. (2018). The 18 biggest data breaches of the 21st century. CSO. Retrieved from

Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). Small business computer security basics. Retrieved from to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Reuters. (2017). Target settles 2013 hacked customer data breach for $18.5 million. MSNBC. Retrieved from